Food allergies among dogs are much more common than
you think.
Unless a dog has a food allergy so strong that it prompts
severe illness or a vet trip, many food allergy reactions
can go unnoticed. Simply things like itching, licking
paws, or frequent soft stools can all be a symptom of
a dog food allergy and only be a slight indication of
the internal reactions your dog is having.
Question your vet about any "hypoallergenic"
or "allergic dog safe" food they prescribe-
vets get huge kickbacks for selling certain foods and
since food companies sponsor many vet schools' nutrition
programs, many vets don't even know other valid allergy
treatment options exist.
If your vet endorses a specific brand, be sure to ask
a clerk at an independent pet store or your obedience
trainer if that food is truly a high quality food.
With all the preservatives and by-products in dog food
today (even the vet's brands-especially in those brands)
it's no wonder dogs are developing allergies younger
and younger. The vet's brands allergy-friendly food
might cut out major allergens like corn or wheat, but
have just as much or more toxic chemicals in it.
Dogs with allergies do best on super-premium, raw,
or homecooked diets. The highest quality kibbles do
not contain wheat, corn, gluten, preservatives or other
harmful ingredients or fillers. Good quality foods are
packed with safe meat sources, whole grains and complex
carbs, and are preserved with Vitamin E, a natural preservative.
You don't need an expensive "allergy specific food
if you simply feed an all natural, healthy food.
You might also consider a Vitamin E supplement- you
can get the capsules at wal-mart. Vitamin E is great
for skin, hair/coat, and general elasticity and bounce-back-ability
of cells. You can give up to 2-3 IU per pound of dog
per day. (But check the back of your food back so see
how many IU are in a serving- many good dog foods use
vitamin E as a natural preservative)
